The ringleader of the Amish breakaway group found guilty in the beard-and- hair cutting attacks on fellow Amish is appealing his conviction.

WKYC-Channel 3 News reports the attorney for Samuel Mullet filed the notice of appeal Wednesday with the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

The appeal cited testimony regarding sex involving Mullet and women in his community. The appeal also cited issues including the judge's refusal to delay last year's trial in federal court in Cleveland or to release Mullet on bond.

The 67-year old Mullet was sentenced to 15 years in prison February 8, while the others convicted of carrying out the beard-and-hair cuttings received sentences ranging from one to seven years in prison.

Thirteen of the sixteen defendants in the case have appealed their convictions. The judge said the defendants have until Friday to appeal.

They were convicted in five 2011 attacks against fellow Amish in apparent retaliation against those who defied Mullet's authoritarian style.
 

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